JP2005514686A - System and method for adapting software control in an operating environment - Google Patents

Abstract

  Systems and methods for adapting software controls within an operating environment are disclosed. A control (110) is located within the operating environment (100) and is adapted to be registered and recognized within the operating environment. A manager (102) in the operating environment identifies the control. The manager also changes the data structure of the control. The data structure contains data that interfaces with other controls within the operating environment. Furthermore, the control can be recognized within the operating environment.

Description

[Background of the invention]
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates to electronic interactive communication systems, and in particular, the present invention is not completely compatible with the operating environment and / or other controls within the operating environment from the beginning. It relates to a system and method for adapting software control in an environment.

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application is a US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 341,862 filed on December 21, 2001, entitled “Electronic Interactive Communication System and the Method Therefor”, and a US Non-Provisional Patent Application filed on December 18, 2002. Claim the benefit of the name “System and Method For Adapting A Software Control In An Operating Environment”, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[Discussion of related fields]
In recent years, the number of computing platforms has increased significantly. Palm-sized computing devices and / or portable computing devices have become commonplace. In addition, the number of different versions of specific platforms, each with a specific operating system, increased as well. Various software programs that run on computing platforms have also been created. Conventional computing devices can store information and program code in memory in advance and receive information from another device that enables the program to be executed. When using multiple computing platforms and operating systems, programs and information need to be understood using the ability to run in many operating environments.

  Software control can enable or launch different programs running on different platforms. Software control can be a program module that enhances the functionality of an existing program. The control can serve as a user interface function that allows the user to manipulate information stored in the memory of the computing platform. Controls can add functionality by calling existing components that are integrated and appear as a normal part of the program. In general, however, these controls are paused until activated, and may not be passively present in the computing environment. This drawback can reduce the effectiveness of the control and limit the ability of the control to interact with the software environment and with other programs and controls. In addition, some conventional controls cannot access other control properties and methods without activating the control.

  As mentioned above, it may be desirable for the control to be on a computing platform that is a portable device. The control enhances the functionality of the portable device and provides the user with more information beyond the programs stored on the device. However, problems can arise if the controls are placed in the operating environment but are not completely compatible with the operating environment or cannot be recognized by other controls. Functional errors or loss may occur. In addition, security problems may arise if unregistered, ie, unrecognized controls, are allowed to execute in the operating environment.

[Summary of Invention]
Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods for adapting software controls in an operating environment. The controls are located within the operating environment and are adapted to be registered and recognized within the environment.

  Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, and may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by the written description and claims hereof, and the structure particularly pointed out in the accompanying drawings.

  To achieve these and other advantages, and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, a method for adapting controls within an operating environment is disclosed, as embodied and broadly described. The method includes identifying a control using a manager in the operating environment. The method also includes changing the data structure of the control using data from the manager. The method also includes updating the operating environment using the control.

  According to disclosed embodiments, a system for adapting controls within an operating environment is disclosed. The system includes a manager in the operating environment that identifies the controls. The system also includes a data structure for changing the control. The data structure is added to the control by the manager. The system also has other controls. Another control is updated by the manager according to the data structure.

  According to the disclosed embodiments, a system for adapting new controls to the operating environment is disclosed. The system includes a manager in the operating environment. New controls are not initially recognized by the manager. The system also includes other controls within the operating environment. The system also includes a data structure that is added to the new control. The manager and another control interface with the new control through the data structure.

  According to the disclosed embodiments, a method for adapting controls located in an operating environment is disclosed. The method includes adding a control to the operating environment. The method also includes determining whether the control cannot be recognized by a manager in the operating environment. The method also includes adding a data structure to the control. The data structure includes data that recognizes controls within the operating environment. The method also includes updating other components in the operating environment to interface with the control.

  It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention.

  The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention. To play a role.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an operating environment 100 having a control manager 102 and controls 104, 106, and 108 and a map control 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The operating environment 100 may reside on any computing platform with a processor, memory, and software code that executes instructions of operation on the platform. A computing platform may also be known as a unit or device that includes any computer, such as a desktop, portable computer, laptop, personal information terminal ("PDA"). The computing platform may be a computer network or other data exchange device. Preferably, the operating environment 100 resides on a portable computing device, such as a handheld computer that executes programs and applications.

  A portable computing device can interact with a transmitter or other information storage resource to receive information of interest to programs and applications on the device. The operating environment 100 can coordinate the updating and data delivery of controls, programs, and applications running on the computing device.

  Controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 can be of various types that enhance programs and applications within operating environment 100. For example, the map control 110 provides the function of displaying a map on the device. Further, the control 104 can be a compass control or the like. The control 104 may be a mode control or a data control. The control 104 may be an information control, a track data control, a tree control, or the like. Controls 104, 106, and 108 can serve as a user interface for manipulating data stored in memory accessed by software programs in operating environment 100. For example, the map control 110 can interact with the user to manipulate the map stored on the handheld device.

  The distinguishing aspects of the controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 include their respective functions as well as their own unique structures (eg, codes). Controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 provide functionality to components operating within operating environment 100. Thus, controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 are not limited to respective functions provided to operating environment 100 or programs executed therein. Further, the number of controls is not limited to controls 104, 106, 108, and 110. The operating environment 100 can comprise any number of controls and is not limited to controls 104, 106, 108, and 110.

  The operating environment 100 also includes a software control manager 102. Manager 102 recognizes and adjusts controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 within operating environment 100. Controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 receive information from operating environment 100 through manager 102. This information may be received on a device hosting the operating environment 100 or from programs and applications running within the operating environment 100. Manager 102 facilitates communication between controls 104, 106, 108 and 110, or any other control recognized by manager 102. The manager 102 can be self-executable in that it can be automatically launched within the operating environment 100. The manager 102 may not require a command for activation.

  The manager 102 also recognizes controls installed in the operating environment 100 or controls enabled by programs and applications running in the operating environment 100. For example, the control 108 can contact the manager 102 regarding the design or name used within the operating environment 100. The control 108 can include a type string that specifies the overall type of control. The manager 102 can send a list of controls and respective instructions to the control 108 so that the control 108 can exchange information with other controls. Thus, within the operating environment 100, controls can recognize each other and communicate.

  For example, a map control 110 exists in the operating environment 100. Control 108 can be a compass control. Although the map control 110 may not require the compass control 108, the compass control 108 may require the map control 110 to be used from any program and application within the operating environment 100. If the user presses “North” on the interface provided by compass control 108, compass control 108 requests a map graphic for north processing. The control 106 can be a macro control disposed in the operating environment 100. Although the control 106 may not be directly related to the map control 110, the map control 110 is made to recognize the control 106 by the manager 102.

  Manager 102 receives the initial information about controls 110, 108, and 106 and helps the relationship disclosed above by ensuring that controls can exchange information with each other. In addition, the manager 102 confirms that the compass control 108 depends on the map control 110. The order in which the controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 are placed within the operating environment 100 is not a critical factor as the manager 102 controls access and coordination between the control itself and the operating environment 100. Thus, the controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 can be incorporated within the operating environment 100 dynamically and automatically and without having to be “active” for use by existing programs and applications. .

  Controls 104, 106, 108, and 110 can have specific attributes that provide information to manager 102. Attributes can be created according to the system design and are shown within the control itself. One attribute can be a control type. The control type can be a data string such as “map” or “compass” that represents the overall type of control. This attribute allows manager 102 to identify the control from other controls in operating environment 100. Another attribute can be a support member. The support member may be a string listing other controls that the identified control may need (or want) to use, such as the compass control 108 described above.

  Manager 102 may also implement a security or verification process for controls located within operating environment 100. Manager 102 may invoke a security process when identifying and registering a new control within operating environment 100. Manager 102 registers controls with authorizations and data structures to exist within operating environment 100.

  When the manager 102 accepts the added control, it retrieves information from the data structure of the added control to help communicate with other controls, programs, and applications in the operating environment 100. For example, the control 104 can remain passive within the operating environment 100. If the control 106 desires the function of the control 104, the control 106 can receive the control 104 instruction from the manager 102. The controls 106 may store the instructions in their respective data structures or may query the manager 102 for controls 104. However, the control 104 is not “activated”. That is, it is not activated in that it does not occupy the display or other components of the computing platform.

  After the handshake process, if the added control is not completely compatible or not fully recognized by the manager 102, the added control can be adapted to operate within the operating environment 100. . For example, a control 108 is added to the operating environment 100. Manager 102 determines whether control 108 is incompatible. Specifically, the control 108 is not an e-Reusable Information Technology Environment (“eRITE”) control and does not have a data structure that supports communication actions with the manager 102. Assume. In doing so, the control 108 is modified to incorporate a data structure that is compatible with the manager 102 and the operating environment 100. This process can be referred to as “wrapping” of control 108. Wrapped controls 108 exist in the operating environment 100 and can interact.

  After wrapping, the control 108 is recognized within the operating environment 100 and can function as a compatible control. The control 108 can receive a design from the manager 102 and allow other controls to access the control 108. Control 108 can also access other controls. Further, the control 108 can be given instructions in the control list of the manager 102. Control 108 may be identifiable as any eRITE control by manager 102, controls 104, 106, and 110 and operating environment 100.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an adapted control 202 within the operating environment 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control 202 has been modified to operate within the operating environment as disclosed above. Specifically, fields, strings, and other data can be attached to the control 202 to facilitate operation within the operating environment 200. A control manager, such as manager 102 in FIG.

  A type string 214 can be added to the control 202. The type string 214 can be a string that represents the overall type of the control 202. For example, the type string 214 can identify the control 202 as a map control or a compass control. The type string 214 allows a manager in the operating environment 200 to identify the control 202 among all other controls in the operating environment 200. Other controls can use the type string 214 as an indication of the control 202. Support member string 212 can be a comma-delimited string that lists other controls that control 202 may need to use in order to perform the function. For example, if the control 202 is a compass control, the map control is listed in the support member string 212 because the compass control is used to move the map control.

  The self-referencing pointer 208 can be a pointer to the control 202 itself, such as when viewing the control 202 from other controls in the operating environment 200. The self-referencing pointer 208 allows the control 202 to manipulate some of the attributes and functions of the control 202 that would otherwise be inaccessible. The manager pointer 210 can be a pointer to a control manager, such as the manager 102 of FIG. The manager pointer 210 can be used when the control 202 needs to access any of the exposed attributes, functions, or methods of the control manager.

  Pointer array 206 can be an array of pointers to controls listed in support member string 212. That control can reside within the operating environment 200. For example, the pointer array 206 can include a pointer 2060, a pointer 2062, a pointer 2064, and a pointer 2066. Each pointer correlates to a different control. The pointers 2060-2066 can be used to access the attributes, functions, or methods of the control in which the control 202 is enumerated, such as the pan method of the map control. The key string 204 can be a feature of a security scheme or process within the operating environment 200. Managers and controls 202 can register the controls 202 in the operating environment 200 using the key string 204.

  Additional fields, strings, pointers, and data can be added to the control 202. The method to be performed by the control 202 can also be implemented using the additional data structure features described above. By changing the control 202, the operating environment 200 can more easily provide the function of the control 202 to other controls. For example, the type string 214 allows the control 202 to be referenced by other controls and control managers. Pointer array 206 allows control 202 to access other controls for their respective functions. Therefore, the function of the control 202 is not lost due to incompatibility. The operating environment 200 then provides more functions and services than the known operating environment because the control 202 is adapted.

  FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for adapting controls within the operating environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shows the actions that can be taken in adapting a control so that the operating environment or control manager is compatible with other controls in the operating environment. Step 302 is performed by identifying controls within the operating environment. Controls are added or placed in the operating environment. Specifically, step 302 is performed by identifying that the control is not compatible with the operating environment or control manager. Control identification can be done using security procedures implemented by the manager. Using the procedure, the manager can determine whether the control is eligible for conformance.

  Step 304 is performed by determining the type of control. The control type can be derived by querying the control, reading data from the control, receiving input from the user, and the like. The control type indicates the overall type of control for identifying among all controls. The control type can be correlated to the function of the control, or an attribute built into the control. For example, the control type can be a map or a compass. Step 306 is performed by assigning a type string to the control. The control manager can generate a type string. The type string indicates that control relative to other controls and operating environments.

  Step 308 is performed by modifying the control data structure to include the features disclosed with reference to FIG. Managers can add features to controls. Features can include data fields, strings, pointers, and the like. The data structure is changed to allow other controls to access it. In addition, the controls here can access other controls via the added features. Step 310 is performed by updating other controls in the operating environment to reflect the addition of the control identified in step 302. For example, the pointer array in other controls can be updated with pointers to the identified controls. Furthermore, the applicable support member string can be updated with new information about the control. Step 310 encompasses any method, action, process, procedure, etc. that is performed in response to the steps described above.

  Thus, according to disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for adapting controls within an operating environment are disclosed. Controls can be placed within the operating environment and modified to operate within the operating environment. Controls that do not have a specific data structure can be adapted to interface with controls that have a specific data structure by changing the control. The modified control can include a type string, a support member string, and a pointer array for interfacing with other controls. A control manager within the operating environment can provide the data and information necessary to change the control. Preferably, the control is modified to have an eRITE structure.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the assembly of the central mechanism of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of protection if they fall within the scope of any claims and their equivalents.

2 illustrates an operating environment having a control manager and controls according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 illustrates a control adapted within an operating environment according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for adapting controls within an operating environment according to an embodiment of the invention.

Claims (23)

A method for adapting controls within an operating environment,
Identifying the control using a manager in the operating environment;
Changing data structure of the control using data from the manager;
Updating the operating environment using the control;
A method for adapting controls within an operating environment that includes   The method of adapting a control within an operating environment as recited in claim 1, further comprising assigning a type string to the control.   The method of adapting a control within an operating environment according to claim 2, further comprising determining the type of control.   The method of adapting a control within the operating environment of claim 1, wherein the modifying comprises adding a type string to the data structure of the control.   The method of adapting a control within the operating environment of claim 1, wherein the changing comprises adding a key string to the data structure of the control.   The method of adapting a control within an operating environment according to claim 1, wherein the modifying comprises adding a support member string to the data structure of the control.   The method of adapting a control within an operating environment according to claim 1, wherein the modifying comprises adding a self-referencing pointer to the data structure of the control.   The method of adapting a control within the operating environment of claim 1, wherein the modifying comprises adding a manager pointer to the data structure of the control.   The method of adapting a control within the operating environment of claim 1, wherein the modifying comprises adding a pointer array to the data structure of the control.   The method of adapting a control within the operating environment of claim 1, further comprising registering the control with the manager. A system for adapting controls within an operating environment,
A manager in the operating environment identifying the control;
A data structure for changing the control, the data structure added to the control by the manager;
Another control updated by the manager according to the data structure;
A system that adapts controls within an operating environment with   The system for adapting controls within an operating environment of claim 11, wherein the data structure includes a type string.   The system for adapting a control within an operating environment as recited in claim 11, wherein the data structure includes a pointer array that references the another control.   The system for adapting controls within an operating environment as recited in claim 11, wherein the data structure includes a self-referencing pointer.   12. The system for adapting controls within an operating environment according to claim 11, wherein the controls are added to the operating environment.   12. The system for adapting controls within an operating environment according to claim 11, wherein the manager references the controls according to the data structure.   12. The system for adapting controls within an operating environment according to claim 11, wherein the controls provide functionality to the operating environment. A system that adapts new controls to the operating environment,
A manager within the operating environment, wherein the new control is initially not recognized by the manager;
Another control in the operating environment;
A data structure added to the new control, wherein the manager and the another control interface with the new control via the data structure;
A system that adapts a new control with a working environment.   19. The system for adapting a new control to an operating environment according to claim 18, wherein the data structure includes a type string.   19. The system for adapting a new control to an operating environment according to claim 18, wherein the data structure includes a pointer array.   19. The system for adapting a new control to an operating environment according to claim 18, wherein the operating environment associates data with the new control. A method of adapting controls placed in the operating environment,
Adding the control to the operating environment;
Determining whether the control is unrecognizable by a manager in the operating environment;
Adding a data structure to the control, wherein the data structure includes a data structure including data for recognizing the control in the operating environment;
Updating other components in the operating environment to interface with the control;
How to adapt controls placed in an operating environment that includes 23. A method for adapting a control located in an operating environment according to claim 22, further comprising assigning a type string to the control, wherein the type string identifies the control within the operating environment.

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